Madrock Safeguard

[BowhunterXC]

I seen it was 8.9mm to 11mm.

My main premise of not using the Madrock was safety and immediately after that was annoying slippage. I don't want to be in a position to take a shot and then this device starts to slip enough to put me out of position to take that shot. Not to mention the "pucker factor", when it slips for whatever reason.

I use either a Petroacan or Michoacan hitch with 5 wraps and have never had an issue with slippage. I use these hitches to ascend the tree, hold in place and no matter how much I adjust it up or down, it holds solidly in place. I couldn't ask for any better hold or safety, in a simple hitch.
I use an eye to eye prusik cord that's 23" long, from Ape Canyon Outfitters, for the ascending hitch and 2 non-locking carabiners for the Garda foot loop.

Holding me in place, on my Mission:


Ascending with a Garda Hitch foot loop and the Petroacan Hitch:

 

[muzzyman88]

I wonder about the rope used and its effects. Many swear by them, some say they creep. I just wonder if the different ropes or different size ropes can be the variables in responses here and other places. Some even suggested they wear out over time.

I also think its not quite clear though Madrocks documentation that this device will eventually wear out and need replaced. Now, what that number of rappels, etc is that causes this is beyond me, but I have talked to a very well respected guy who has a channel on Youtube who's also a good friend of mine and he explained that he finally replaced his and his son's madrocks this past season. He considers them a wear item. Now, I can tell you he climbs and rappels a heckuva lot more than I do so he probably wears on equipment at a fast rate.

I have four seasons on mine and rappel probably a lot more than most here (i climb in the off season a fair amount too) and mine shows no signs of creeping, ever. I have used this one on both Ci-V and Elite Canyons ropes.

For me, I'm not a big fan of a bunch of knots. Its just too much than can go wrong in my opinion if you aren't completely focused on the knots your tying at the time, are in a hurry, its cold, wet, etc. Yes I know when it comes to climbing we should always be 100% about what we're doing but we're hunters, not climbers.

I'm not saying this is the end all be all solution, but I can say I'm 100% confident in it and won't change unless something better comes along. To the best of my knowledge, there has not been any accidents that can be attributed to a madrock failing. I have seen the slippage issue here and there but I can't put my finger on what is occuring other than the device is worn out or the rope spec isn't correct.

 

[1canvas]

Wearing out is just something someone threw out there of possible issues.

 

[1canvas]

Here is my issue, I was coming down a tree years ago with long, not so great sticks. I had one stick kick out, I was in a harness with a lineman’s rope and a tether, I dropped down and it was very difficult to recover, now I am 25 years older. I never had an issue with newer model short sticks, but if I did it would be a problem. My thoughts are with a Safeguard on my tether I could easily drop down to the next stick.
I will be 70 and hunt alone.

 

[muzzyman88]

Wearing out is just something someone threw out there of possible issues.

I was just looking at the insert that came with mine and they do mention it, albeit in a vague way.

"The Safeguard is constructed with hot forged aluminum and stainless steel that can wear."

 

[muzzyman88]

Here is my issue, I was coming down a tree years ago with long, not so great sticks. I had one stick kick out, I was in a harness with a lineman’s rope and a tether, I dropped down and it was very difficult to recover, now I am 25 years older. I never had an issue with newer model short sticks, but if I did it would be a problem. My thoughts are with a Safeguard on my tether I could easily drop down to the next stick.
I will be 70 and hunt alone.

I'm with ya buddy. Too each their own and if it works for someone, go for it. But I can tell you I'm always a bit leery of having to tie knots, etc. I know me, I'm at the base of my tree at 5am getting ready to climb, half asleep, etc. I don't want to think about or have to mess around knots. it just scares me that I'd make a mistake right there.

 

[dhoff545]

Here is my issue, I was coming down a tree years ago with long, not so great sticks. I had one stick kick out, I was in a harness with a lineman’s rope and a tether, I dropped down and it was very difficult to recover, now I am 25 years older. I never had an issue with newer model short sticks, but if I did it would be a problem. My thoughts are with a Safeguard on my tether I could easily drop down to the next stick.
I will be 70 and hunt alone.

That's a great reason to use a safeguard or one of JRBs hitches that can be broken under load.

 

[dhoff545]

I don't think this is the place for strong opinions.

There are multiple safe ways to hang and SRT and past that it's personal preference. Hold on to your opinions loosely and be open to why other people do things the way they do.

 

[Brocky]

The Safeguard is rated as an assisted braking belay device, for belaying and rappelling, with manufacturer stating you need to always hold the brake strand. The Ropeman is rated as a rope grab/clamp, which allows hands free use.

 

[1canvas]

The Safeguard is rated as an assisted braking belay device, for belaying and rappelling, with manufacturer stating you need to always hold the brake strand. The Ropeman is rated as a rope grab/clamp, which allows hands free use.
View attachment 117094

Good point. Although I see a lot of people use the Safeguard like a Ropeman, it’s a good point that you bring up.